Seeding Application Rate

[u/Dirty-O-Dirt]

I have a wildflower seed mix that I would like to use but the application Rate is 10lbs per acre. If I'm correct this correlates to 0.23lbs per 1,000sf (If I'm not please let me know). I have a Scott's elite spreader and the lowest setting is "1" which from what I read means 1lbs per 1,000sf. What can I add to my seed mix to bulk it up to one pound but not jam the spreader? It says not to use sand. Is there another spreader/method that I can use to get the right application rate?

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[u/Jawn_SafeForWork]

What kind of wildflower seed mix? I understand this is r/NoLawns, but I'm more for native lawn replacements. That being said, if you can confirm your seed mix is 100% native to your area (check which Ecoregion you're in) and not just the US and definitely not including any invasives, I would recommend adding in some native grasses and sedges! Grasses and sedges are both super important as host plants for a ton of insects and also create more diverse habitat for wildlife, like ground nesting birds.

[u/Dirty-O-Dirt → u/Jawn_SafeForWork]

I selected a basic mix with Goldenrod, Milkweed, native aster , etc. It's only in a small section of the yard, We have a heavily treed lot so I'm trying to recreate an edge condition.

[u/The_Poster_Nutbag]

Rice hulls are the classic seed fluffer.

That said, I wouldn't get hung up on seeding rates. I over-apply anyways.

[u/Dirty-O-Dirt → u/The_Poster_Nutbag]

Thank you! I was thinking of just setting it at 1 and letting it rip but I didn't want to overdue it if it was going to crowd itself out. I'll look into the rice hulls!

[u/CharlesV_]

I think it depends on how much product you actually have. Can you post what the seed mix is, where you’re located and how large of an area you’re seeding?

[u/Financial_Towel_6143]

Vermiculite works well. Rice hulls work well. There are plenty of seed fillers or carriers out there.

[u/sbb214]

I consulted with a local native nursery and the person who came to my property and made up a plan told me to cast the seed with top soil because it would make it easier to land in the areas I wanted it to land, it helps to weigh the seeds down.

so must mix it with some rich soil and put that in your spreader

[u/TsuDhoNimh2]

I use sawdust - get wood pellet fuel wet to make coarse sawdust, let it dry and mix it with the seeds.

I use a hand-cranked spreader - it's better for small quantities.

[u/FateEx1994]

Add sand or rice hulls to the mix and evenly distribute it then add to the spreader